February 17, 2011
Dear Neighbor,
We are in the sixth week of the session, and heading right into the year’s first major milestone – policy committee cut-off. After today, no further House bills can be voted out of House policy committees this session. Needless to say, things can get a little hectic before each of these deadlines!
As the committee activity slows for a couple weeks, things really pick up on the House floor, as we pass bills over to the Senate. Look for lots of TVW coverage of our floor debates as we move forward.
Speaking of TV, you can always view my legislative updates here: https://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/roster/rep-tina-orwall/.
Did you know that Washington is one of the few states that not require a standard background fingerprint check for person working in daycare centers? My bill, HB 1903, would not only require more thorough background checks that require fingerprint testing but streamlines the process. Upon passage, the Washington State Department of Early Learning (DEL) would create a background check pool and would issue cards to those who pass the screening. The background check would be portable for up to three years and would reduce unnecessary paperwork.
You may wish to track this, or any other bill, at www.leg.wa.gov.
Historic unemployment reform for One Washington – helping business and families
Last week the legislature unanimously approved timely tax relief for businesses and much needed help for jobless workers, providing opportunity for businesses to grow and the unemployed to learn new job skills.
The measure passed will reduce unemployment tax for 90% of employers. This amounts to a savings of more than $300 million in 2011 alone.
The bill also brings relief for thousands of Washington families hit hard by this persistent recession:
For those struggling to find work, the bill makes training programs more accessible, allowing more workers to learn new skills and build better resumes for their job search in high-demand fields.
Washington’s unemployed workers will also qualify for the extended benefits passed by Congress last December.
Workers who are laid off during the rest of 2011 will receive a temporary $25 bump in their weekly benefits.
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that for every $1 of benefits, $2 of purchasing power is created in the economy. Unemployment benefits are among the best kinds of economic stimulus because recipients immediately spend it, circulating money into local economies. That’s why its economic impact is magnified.
Washington has the healthiest U.I. system in the nation. After a two-year recession and persistent 9%-plus unemployment, it is still so well-funded that we are able to approve this major relief for our businesses. In contrast, 30 other states have U.I. systems that are insolvent and have had to borrow billions from the federal government.
Advanced Placement scores and participation rate increases
A recent report shows we’ve taken a step forward in preparing Washington students with the skills needed to participate successfully in the global marketplace.
According to the College Board’s sixth annual “AP Report to the Nation,” nearly 30 percent of Washington students in the class of 2010 took at least one AP exam. The number of students scoring a three or greater increased by 4.2 percent over the past five years. Overall, Washington ranked 17th in the nation with the greatest number of 12th graders scoring three or greater on AP exams, which is a score that generally qualifies for college credit.
Not only does earning college credit in high school save Washington students and their families thousands of dollars in tuition costs, but it also better prepares students for college-level work.
Sponsors needed for free summer meal programs for Washington kids
Sponsor applications are being taken by the Child Nutrition Services office at the state Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) for the 2011 Summer Feeding Programs for children.
Organizations operating a nonprofit meal program for children during the summer when school is out can be reimbursed for eligible meals served by the organizations. Meals will need to meet United States Department of Agriculture standards.
To be eligible, meal sites must be located in neighborhoods where:
· At least half the kids qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
· Or at least half the kids are enrolled in a specific program for free and reduced-price school meals.
Every child can receive a free meal at an approved site, regardless of the youngster’s family income. Public and private nonprofit local education agencies can participate in the program, as well as residential summer camps, some private nonprofit organizations, and units of local, county, municipal, tribal, state or federal government. Also encouraged to apply are colleges and universities participating in the Upward Bound Program.
To find out more, click here.
King Conservation District (King CD) Board of Supervisors Election Online Voting Begins February 15
For the first time, the King CD will provide secure, on-line voting as an alternative to in-person balloting. Voting began February 15 and ends at 9 pm on March 15. You can find out more here.
Sincerely,
In This Issue
Online Voting
Contact
MAIL
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
PHONE
(360) 786-7834
1 (800) 562.6000 toll free
1 (800) 635-9993 TTY-TDD (hearing impaired)
EMAIL
tina.orwall@leg.wa.gov
WEBSITE
My home page